Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK) Mon headquarters and Kohima unit, which deliberated on the issue of COVID-19 contagion in Mon district, Monday submitted a six-point appeal to state government demanding proper fund allocation, strengthening of medical fraternity, quality PPE and TrueNat machine for Mon district.
In a press release, KNSK, Mon Hq president Lomei Konyak and KNSK Kohima unit general secretary CN Moe pointed out that out of Rs.79.21 crore spent COVID-19 in the state, Mon district has so far received Rs. 82 lakh.
As per 2011 Census, KNSK said Mon was third most populous district only next to Dimapur and Kohima. As such, it said that funds should be allocated accordingly.
Pointing out that Mon has one of the highest returnees from Chennai and more returnees were expected, the KNSK has appealed to the state government to allocate COVID-19 funds according to population.
Reiterating the demand of Konyak Union (KU) to strengthen the medical fraternity of Mon district, the KNSK has requested the government to deploy nine doctors in lieu of their leave period. It also reminded that since Civil Hospital Mon was upgraded to 100 bedded during the then H&FW minister Imkong L. Imchen, it should be made functional with doctors and nurses as required.
Further, the organisation appealed to the government to equip the medical fraternity with high quality personal protective equipment (PPE).
It stated there was lack of PPE for sanitation workers, drivers and volunteers engaged in service at the quarantine centres.
Stating that presently Mon has only one TrueNat Machine with limited testing capacity and two ventilators, the KNSK demanded more TrueNat machines for Mon district without delay for testing and re-testing more people.
Meanwhile, the organisation has appealed to the state government to make Bio Safety Level-2 (BSL-2) laboratory in Dimapur functional soon. KNSK also requested the government to contemplate setting up BSL-3 lab in Mon district.
Appreciating the services rendered by Dimapur quarantine centres and frontline workers for shouldering Chennai returnees of Mon district, the organisation appealed that the existing status quo be maintained to lighten the burden of Mon district.
With not enough ventilators, ICU beds, isolation wards and manpower, KNSK said Mon district would not be able treat even serious patients of other illness let alone facilities to combat the contagion.
Stating that there were also not enough private hospitals and clinic in Mon as in Dimapur and Kohima, the KNSK has, therefore, appealed that certain quarantine centres be designated to treat the serious patients of Mon district.
Assuring to extend full cooperation to the state government and district administration in combating the challenge posed by pandemic, KNSK has urged the government to take up its six-point appeal as urgent requirements.